30 volunteers unseal 50 square meters and plant perennials and shrubs
A previously paved area on Pallaswiesenstrasse in Darmstadt has been unsealed and planted with greenery thanks to the help of 30 volunteers. During the joint effort on September 18th, a new green space of approximately 50 square meters was created. The project was organized by the Office for Climate Protection and Climate Adaptation and supported by several city departments and the EAD (Darmstadt Waste Management Authority).
The area was planted with 250 perennials, six shrubs, and more than 1,000 flower bulbs. In addition, four smaller insect-friendly habitat structures were created, including deadwood and piles of field stones. Parking spaces were not lost as a result of the redesign. The shared pedestrian and bicycle path also remains. According to the city, planting trees at this location was not possible.
Volunteers help with the greening
In addition to local residents, BUND urban nature guides, city administration employees, and three members of the "Orchestra of Change e.V." from the State Theatre participated in the project. The work was professionally supervised by natural garden expert Eva Distler.
Environmental Officer Michael Kolmer sees the new green space as a first step towards reducing the urban heat island effect in the Pallaswiesen-Morneweg district. "Further efforts are needed for a significant improvement in the city's climate," Kolmer emphasizes. The city therefore intends to further promote the removal of impervious surfaces and the creation of green spaces in the coming years. Additional suitable areas have already been preliminarily assessed within the administration.
Darmstadt takes first place in the "paving" competition
The project on Pallaswiesenstrasse also counts towards the nationwide "Paving Off" competition. According to the city, Darmstadt is currently ranked first among major cities. This ranking is due in part to the new green space, but also to a larger de-sealing project by the Protestant University of Applied Sciences in Hesse. The competition runs until October 31st.
The city is calling on private individuals, initiatives, associations, companies, and church communities to also unseal and green surfaces. Projects can be submitted with before-and-after photos on the competition website www.abpflastern.de . Further information is available at www.darmstadt.de/abpflastern .
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
